In Kabul, Iran’s Ambassador Ali Reza Bikdeli delivered an official invitation addressed to Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund to attend the funeral and burial ceremony of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s former religious leader, to Mullah Abdul Wase, head of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Taliban.
A statement from the Taliban-controlled Arg said that during a meeting between Mullah Abdul Wase, head of the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Iranian ambassador in Kabul, the two sides discussed issues related to refugees, trade relations, and the expansion of bilateral cooperation.
According to the statement, the Iranian ambassador formally invited Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund and his accompanying delegation to attend the funeral and burial ceremony of Ali Khamenei.
Ali Khamenei, who had served as Iran’s Supreme Religious Leader since 1989, was killed four months ago in a US airstrike. Following his death, regional countries and Iran’s allies have been seeking to engage with the new political situation.
Relations between the Taliban and Iran, which were previously strained due to ideological differences and border disputes, have gradually expanded since the Taliban returned to power. Tehran, despite not having formally recognized the Taliban government, has kept its embassy in Kabul operational and has strengthened cooperation with the Taliban in the areas of trade, transit, refugees, and security.
Meanwhile, some sources have recently reported that Iranian officials have prohibited members of the “Resistance Front” in Iran from engaging in armed activities against the Taliban. According to these sources, it is speculated that Tehran may recognize the Taliban administration in the near future following a potential agreement with the United States.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
